Land Ministry Senior Secretary A S M Saleh Ahmed. File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 29, 2025 (BSS) - Land Ministry Senior Secretary A S M Saleh Ahmed today said land zoning and protection are essential to ensure the planned and optimal use of land. 

"To ensure this, the draft of 'Land Zoning and Protection Act, 2024' has been made," he said while addressing a workshop on finalising the 'Land Zoning and Protection Act, 2024' (draft) at the meeting room of the ministry.

Ahmed said agricultural land for food production is decreasing day by day and the nature of land is constantly changing due to natural causes, said a press release.

The senior secretary said the purpose of this law is to prevent unplanned land use, protect the environment and continue food grain production along with maintaining the nature of the land. 

He said the amount of agricultural land is gradually decreasing due to the destruction of agricultural land, forests, hills, mountains and water bodies in vast areas of the country and there is an adverse impact on the environment. The law has become necessary to address such urgent challenges, he said.

Ahmed said the protection of agricultural land is of utmost importance to Bangladesh's economy and food security. The law includes strict measures to protect fertile land from unauthorized use, he added.

Land Reform Board Chairman AJM Salauddin Nagari and senior officials were present in the event.